During a recent city council meeting in Harper Woods, residents voiced concerns about various local issues, including discrepancies in the city charter, code violations, and community safety.

Sheila Hakeem raised alarms about the city charter, claiming it is incomplete and contains numerous errors, including outdated references and missing amendments. She urged the council to address these issues to avoid potential legal complications in the future.

Judy Hinton expressed frustration over code violations in her neighborhood, particularly regarding a neighbor's boat that obstructed parking for several days. She emphasized the need for community participation in reporting such violations, lamenting that she felt alone in her efforts.

Tony Wagner questioned the city’s strategy for handling foreclosed properties, suggesting that the current plan, which involves transferring properties to two developers, may be too limited. He urged the council to explore more aggressive measures to increase the number of homes being rehabilitated and sold.

Concerns about public safety were echoed by several residents, including John Shemburn, who highlighted a recent spike in violence, including shootings and road rage incidents. He criticized the council for not adequately addressing these issues and called for more police support.

Demarcio Williams, a newly elected precinct delegate, emphasized the importance of engaging younger residents in civic matters, proposing the establishment of a youth advisory committee to foster community involvement among the younger generation.

Theresa Foster questioned the transparency of the city’s financial dealings, specifically regarding closed sessions related to bills and code enforcement actions. She called for clearer communication about public expenses and the enforcement of city codes.

The meeting concluded with council members acknowledging the residents' concerns and reiterating their commitment to addressing these issues, while also encouraging continued community engagement. The council emphasized the importance of collaboration between residents and local government to foster a safer and more vibrant community.